UK 'may have 40-year Afghan role'

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News

The UK's commitment to Afghanistan could last for up to 40 years, the incoming head of the Army has said.

Gen Sir David Richards, who takes over on 28 August, told the Times the Army's role would evolve, but the process of "nation-building" would last decades.

Troops will be required for the medium term only, but the UK will continue to play a role in "development, governance security sector reform," he said.

"There is absolutely no chance of Nato pulling out," Gen Richards added.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8191018.stm

[Lagomorph]

1. Given the life expectantcy in Afghanistan...

It sounds like they want to fulfill their careers in a low intensity combat zone, wait until all the current Taliban die of old age and work with people who grew up with a Westernized presence.

[harmonicon]

2. don't forget that the Taliban exists due to this "Westernized presence".

These are the same people, and the children of the same people who we called "freedom fighters", trained, and funded when the USSR was doing what NATO is doing now in Afghanistan. There really is no change.

[ixion]

3. you'd think that GB would have learned from their first experience with empire

but I guess not.

Oh, wait, that's right. We're humans. We're incapable of learning from history. :eyes:

[dipsydoodle]

4. I don't really give a shit what he thinks.

Overall it's a matter of government poicy and our government is likely to have a complete change next June so we'll see what happens after that.

[bemildred]

5. Kipling: THE YOUNG BRITISH SOLDIER

---

If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white,
Remember it's ruin to run from a fight:
So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,
And wait for supports like a soldier.
Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . .

When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier ~of~ the Queen!

http://www.everypoet.com/archive/poetry/Rudyard_Kipling/kipling_the_young_british_soldier.htm

[Solly Mack]

6. That was my first thought too

[bemildred]

9. It's like some things never change. nt

[DavidDvorkin]

7. The voters might have a contrary opinion.

[totodeinhere]

8. Well, the USA has been in Korea for 60 years. n/t

[hugo_from_TN]

10. And Germany & Japan

[saigon68]

11. Fools

But the sheep will go along, as long as someone else does the Dying